Ralph and Kim heading back to Rockrord
Published on August 30, 2005 under International Hockey League 2 (IHL 2)
Rockford IceHogs News Release
Rockford, Ill.- Rockford IceHogs Head Coach and Director of Hockey Operations Steve Martinson announced Monday that winger Jason Ralph and center Alex Kim have resigned for the 2005-06 season. Martinson made the announcement during a press conference at The 10th Inning Bar and Grill before the World Premiere of "RoadHogs: The Other Side of the Season", a documentary featuring the 2004-05 IceHogs. Per club policy, terms of the agreements were not disclosed.
"Jason and Alex were two-thirds of the top scoring per game lines in the playoffs last season," said Martinson. "It gives us a returning combination from last year that proved they can score. Besides being a funny guy, Jason's a pretty good hockey player. Every team needs a funny guy on the roster and ours is Jason Ralph He's good for the lockerroom and thankfully he's a very good hockey player."
Ralph, a Carp, Ontario native, registered 21g-28a-46pts in 76 games with Rockford in 04-05. The rugged winger also accumulated 149 penalty minutes and received a pair of call-ups to the American Hockey League. Ralph skated in a game for both the Milwaukee Admirals and Cincinnati Mighty Ducks.
"Even though he's not qualified as a veteran by league rules, he has a veteran presence," said Martinson. "He's the kind of player that exemplifies the type of game that Rockford wants to be known as. He combines skill and tenacity and never takes a night off. He always works hard no matter if it's in practice or a game."
The fifth year pro skated for the Bakersfield Condors (ECHL) during his first three seasons before coming to Rockford last fall. Ralph was a huge contributor for Rockford in the post-season last year, fueling the Hogs Colonial Cup push with 3g-11a-14pts in 13 post-season games. His point total (14) ranked him tenth in the post-season while his 11 assists placed him fifth in the UHL.
Ralph is also featured in "RoadHogs: The Other Side of the Season" a documentary about the 04-05 IceHogs on the road that was shown publicly for the first time Monday following the press conference. Ralph wore a microphone during two of the games featured in the movie, as fans got an inside view of Ralph's game and life on the road in minor league hockey.
Ralph and Kim, along with Brandon Segal, combined to give Rockford 18g-27a-45pts in 37 combined post-season contests last season. The two returning forwards accumulated 7g-23a alone.
Kim returns to Rockford for his second stint with the club after a half season last year with the IceHogs in which he ended his brief retirement. The speedy centerman joined the club in February and notched 8g-20-28pts in just 35 games. In the post-season, Kim paced the UHL in offense until the club was eliminated in the semi-finals, scoring 4g-12a-16pts in 13 games.
"Alex brings us tremendous speed and with the subtraction of the red line it's going to be interesting to see what it does for Alex's game," said Martinson. "We've got several left-handed shot scorers and he gives a right-handed centerman. Few people can skate like Alex and when we moved him to the point on the power play he was almost unstoppable at penetrating the zone and carrying the puck in deep."
The Fullerton, California native enters his third full season in the pros, not counting last season when he skated in 35 contests. The centerman tallied 22 goals in each of his first two seasons, including his rookie campaign while skating for the Reading Royals (ECHL).
With Ralph and Kim signed-up for another season, Rockford has 15 players committed under contract for 05-06. Also in the mix are wingers Robin Big Snake, Vince Malts, Preston Mizzi, Jason Notermann, Olivier Proulx, Bruce Watson and Chad Woollard, defensemen Ryan Carrigan, Matt Gens, Corey Hessler, Nathan Lutz and Steve Pelletier and goaltender Ronnie Vogel.
Season Tickets Now On Sale: Season tickets for the 2005-06 season are now on sale at the IceHogs corporate office or by calling (815) 986-6465. Ticket packages begin at just $95. A seat deposit of only $100 is required to reserve your full or partial season ticket. Great seats are available, so don't miss out on the hottest ticket in town!
International Hockey League 2 Stories from August 30, 2005
- Vipers add two rookies and an old friend to roster - Roanoke Valley Vipers
- Ralph and Kim heading back to Rockrord - Rockford IceHogs
- K-Wings ink Reynaert and Krueckl - Kalamazoo Wings
- Flags' solidify goaltending and add two year pro defenseman - Port Huron Flags
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
